Aust taking Iraq meeting by meeting: Payne

Senator Payne sat down with her US counterpart Ash Carter on the sidelines of meetings in Washington DC, with the secretary of defense thanking Australia for its recent decision to increase its training mission.

Asked whether she anticipates having to expand or extend Australia's commitment in the near future, she told ABC radio on Thursday: "I think we're taking this meeting by meeting, if you like, discussion by discussion".

Ahead of the Counter-Daesh defence ministers' meeting, Australia announced it had authorised an extra 15 defence force personnel who will take over counter rocket and mortar capability at the Taji base.

It is also expanding its role in training local police forces.

"The whole process which we're going through at the moment - which has seen some quite significant gains made militarily - we need to be sure that we are sustaining those sites, those communities as the military process moves on," Senator Payne said.

"Law enforcement is going to be key to that. If we can make a contribution in the training of that, I think it's a very important aspect of Australia's work."